WIENS, Ronald Otto

Ronald Wiens of Cochrane passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the age of 64 years.

Ron was born in Nokomis, SK and was raised by his parents Con and Luella Wiens on a farm near Drake, SK. Ron completed high school in Lanigan, SK, and continued with postsecondary education at Briercrest Bible Institute and the University of Saskatchewan.

Ron started working in the mining industry in BC’s Elk Valley in the mid 1970s. It was there that he took his apprenticeship as an electrician, and also completed his Industrial First Aid ticket. Ron was highly respected for the expertise he brought to his work as a journeyman electrician with special certification in electronic control systems. He lived and worked in Sparwood B.C. until his retirement in the fall of 2011 after which he settled in Cochrane.

Ron was very devoted to his family and enjoyed many recreational activities. These were often shared with his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. Some of these included annual family camping trips, water skiing, golf and challenging his family to board games involving strategy. Ron was a particularly avid and accomplished alpine skier, and held annual season passes to the ski hill in Fernie for more than two decades.

Ron had a strong aptitude for math and science, logical thinking and problem solving. Nearly every family member can recount the many times that Ron was called upon to trouble-shoot and find the source of the mechanical or electrical failure; and the solution needed.

Ron was a private, gentle and reserved man. He will be remembered as someone who loved his family and as a man who was devoted to his faith in God. Ron leaves to mourn his mother Luella; brothers Ken, Cliff and Keith; and his sisters Twyla, Theresa and Sharon. He will be particularly missed by his 12 nieces and nephews and 10 grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Con Wiens.

A Funeral Service will be held for Ron at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. A Graveside Service to follow at Cochrane Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Salvation Army.

Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I worked with him for many years at the mine and he lived next door to my son Allen for many years, we helped Ron pack up for his move, I can still see him waving as he left Sparwood. May he rest in peace.

Our families have always been so far apart, geographically, but how thankful I am that we are close through our faith and hope in Him who called us and set us apart. Our prayers are with you all as we grieve Ron’s departure and we look forward to the day when there will be no more goodbyes.

It was with great sadness that we learned of Ron’s passing. Thank you for sharing his beautiful remembrance service. Ron’s life truly exemplified his love of God and family. Our prayers continue to be with you all.

Our condolences to Wiens family. I don’t see you guys often but have special place in my heart for all of my Canadian family. Perhaps it is dads and uncle Al’s deep fondness and bond to the roots they trace back to their childhood days in Drake. Whatever, it is fitting that a sad time like Ron’s passing unites us all in the memory that we are all really ” closer” in kindred spirit and that can be attributed to the wonderful parents we were blessed with. Love to all Darrell and Donna Jantz.
RIP…Ron